The 2023 Cadillac Escalade V, the industry’s most powerful full-size SUV, has been shown in its entirety. It’s the first Cadillac V-Series SUV, representing the pinnacle of design, performance, and technology, as well as the purest embodiment of Cadillac’s enthusiasm.
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The first Cadillac V-Series SUV
Escalade V has a formidable combination of finesse, power, and technology, as well as performance-inspired style and an identifiable sound that combine for a street presence that turns heads. The Escalade V adds to the V-Series range, which is now in its fourth generation and delivers higher levels of performance while maintaining the pedigree of the original lineup that debuted in 2004.
“Customers and enthusiasts have asked for an Escalade V, and we’re thrilled to bring this high-performance SUV to market in the year of Cadillac’s 120th anniversary,” said Global Cadillac Vice President Rory Harvey.
“We do not deploy the V-Series designation lightly. The arrival of the 2023 Escalade V is the result of a rigorous development program that allows this highly anticipated model to meet the criteria and capability thresholds established by nearly two decades of inspired V-Series performance.”
A supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 682 horsepower (508 kilowatts) and 653 lb-ft of torque powers the Escalade V. (885 Nm). A 10-speed automatic gearbox tuned for Escalade V, a full-time active all-wheel-drive system, and special suspension hardware and software calibrations are all standard performance features. There’s also an Escalade-V ESV variant.
The Escalade receives its V-Series distinction by also providing:
- V-Series front and rear fascias are distinctive;
- Four exhaust vents;
- Front Brembo brakes with six pistons;
- Brake calipers in Edge Red;
- Aluminum wheels with a 22-inch diameter;
- Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, featuring V-Series-specific software calibrations and specially tuned rear air springs and damper hardware;
- V-Mode is a driver-selectable performance driving mode with lowered suspension and active exhaust valves that regulate the throaty V-8 growl;
- V-Series badges may be seen on the driver and front passenger doors, the liftgate, and the interior, including the steering wheel;
- Interior with Platinum trim includes Zebra Wood design, semi-aniline leather on all three rows, and heated/ventilated and massaging front seats;
- The Escalade’s unique curved OLED display measures 38 inches diagonally;
- AKG Studio Reference audio system with 36 speakers;
- Available Hands-free driving assistance with Super Cruise, which includes trailering and automated lane changing features (late availability).
Based on early GM testing, Cadillac anticipates the Escalade V to be capable of 0-60 mph sprints in under 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile pace of 12.74 seconds at 110 mph with the full-time active all-wheel drive system to improve grip.
Supercharged V8 and 682 hp for the Cadillac Escalade V
The Escalade V’s hand-built supercharged and intercooled 6.3L engine, rated at 682 horsepower at 6,000 engine rpm and 653 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 engine rpm, builds on a legacy of supercharged V-8 engines offered in Cadillac V-Series models, including the second- and third-generation CTS-V models, the XLR-V, and most recently, the CT5-V Blackwing.
The Escalade V’s engine is identical in architecture to the CT5-V Blackwing’s supercharged V-8, but it has a bigger 2.65L R2650 TVS supercharger to assist overcome the full-size SUV’s greater intake and exhaust constraints. It features an electronically regulated bypass valve and spins at up to 13,500 rpm to create roughly 10 pounds of boost.
The supercharger’s four-lobe rotors are intended to extend the engine’s power band, producing more torque at low RPM and more power at higher RPM.
The remainder of the engine, which includes a strong forged-steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods, and forged aluminum pistons, is intended to sustain the increased output and higher cylinder pressures that occur with forced induction. Aluminum cylinder heads are more durable and heat resistant than traditional castings. The intake valves are made of lightweight titanium.
A 10-speed automatic gearbox is paired with the engine and tuned for the supercharging system’s particular powerband characteristics.
The gearbox transfers power to a full-time active all-wheel-drive system, which distributes torque between the front and back wheels for maximum traction and driver control in all situations. The torque distribution changes depending on the situation, but some torque is always sent to the front wheels.
Always a smooth and adaptive ride
Along with the full-time active all-wheel-drive system, the Escalade V’s responsive driving experience is enhanced with standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, and distinctive Escalade-V suspension hardware. They work together to provide the driver a greater sense of control without losing the precise precision riding comfort for which the Escalade is known.
The Air Ride Adaptive Suspension four-corner air springs on this new V-Series SUV have unique, strong rear air springs. Unique damper hardware tuning and software calibrations are also part of the electronically controlled system, which helps make the most of the Escalade-four-wheel V’s independent suspension. The electronic limited-slip differential aids traction and enhances handling.
The distinctive V-Mode, which is accessed by a button on the center console in front of the gearbox shifter, allows drivers to customize their driving experience. It allows drivers to choose their favorite performance driving mode and reduces the ride height by roughly 0.8 inches automatically (20 mm).
V-Mode also has a Launch Control feature that allows the Escalade V to do ideal acceleration runs from a standstill. When in V-Mode, drivers activate this function by pressing the brake pedal and then fully pushing the accelerator pedal, then releasing the brake pedal when the Traction Control Lamp starts to flash.
Exclusive design and driving experience
The new Escalade V improves on the Escalade’s powerful, layered design statement and sophisticated, technology-infused passenger experience both inside and out.
The appearance has separate front and back fascias, as well as Cadillac’s iconic Sport mesh grille. A quad exhaust outlet is included in the rear fascia. The V-Series also has 22-inch wheels with a unique design. They assist to highlight the performance braking system that surrounds them, which incorporates Brembo front brakes with Edge Red calipers.
The features complement the Platinum trim inside, which is available in Black or Dark Auburn with Zebra Wood accents. Semi-aniline leather is standard on all three rows, with power massage and a heated steering wheel in the front seats.
The Escalade V has the following technology:
- Curved OLED panel with a total diagonal of 38 inches and double the pixel density of a 4K television;
- With a 16.9-inch diagonal color information display, Natural Voice Recognition, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto compatibility, Connected Apps, and more, this is a premium infotainment experience with navigation;
- On the 14.2-inch-diagonal center cluster display, Augmented Reality presents a live view of what is in front of the car. The technology will overlay directional information on the display while a navigational route is activated;
- Standard 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system with 3D Surround, Navigation Rendering, and more;
- Available Hands-free driving assistance with Super Cruise, including trailering and automated lane changing capabilities (late availability).
Super Cruise is the first fully hands-free driving assistance system in the industry. It relies on real-time cameras, sensors, and GPS, as well as comprehensive LiDAR map data, to provide drivers with confidence when driving hands-free over more than 200,000 miles of suitable highways in the United States and Canada.
Available soon
With a starting MSRP of $149,990, the 2023 Escalade V goes on sale in the summer of 2022.
